Patuxai (Victory Monument)

Vientiane’s answer to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe, Patuxai (Victory Monument) towers above this low-rise city in a spectacular mixture of architectural styles: part brutalist, part Napoleonic, part Lao. Besides the elaborate artworks in the monument itself and the views from the top of the structure, it’s home to a wealth of souvenir stalls.

The Basics

There is a small charge, payable in cash, to enter Patuxai and climb to the top, which offers sweeping views across the city, Laos, and Thailand. While it’s easy enough to reach independently and doesn’t require a guide, it’s worth joining a tour or hiring a private guide or songthaew (shared truck taxi) pickup to maximize your time. The majority of city tours, both half-day and full-day, stop at Patuxai and allow time to climb.

Things to Know Before You Go

In a city that’s short on monuments, Patuxai stands out as a symbol of Vientiane: a selfie here is a must for Instagrammers.

At 180 feet (55 meters) high, Patuxai remains one of the tallest buildings in Vientiane. It is taller than the original Arc de Triomphe.

The monument has five towers representing five Buddhist virtues and the five principles of coexistence among nations.

The top of the monument is only accessible by stairs.

How to Get There

About a mile (1.5 kilometers) from Nam Phou Square, Patuxai monument is centrally located and easy to find whether you’re walking, cycling, or riding a tuk-tuk or songthaew. It stands about a mile (1.5 kilometers) east of the Mekong on Vientiane’s major boulevard, Lane Xang Avenue, at one end of Patuxai Park.

When to Get There

The Victory Monument is open from morning to afternoon seven days a week, but unfortunately not open for sunset viewing. Visiting late in the day does, however, allow you to soak up the sunset social scene in Patuxai Park. For the best views, try to visit on a clear day, most common in the dry season between November and January.

The Vertical Runway

A tribute to the Lao who died in long-gone wars, Laos built Patuxai, also known as Victory Gate and Gate of Triumph, with cement that the US had handed over for use in building an airport in the 1960s. That history has given it the affectionate name “the vertical runway.”

Patuxai (Victory Monument) Tours and Tickets

Showing Tours and Activities

Soak up the charms of tranquil Vientiane on this full-day tour of the Laos capital. Marvel at the Siamese temple of Wat Si Saket, admire the ancient artworks of Wat Ho Phra Keo and take a peek at the grand Presidential Palace. Then, pose for photos by Wat Si Muang and climb to the top of the Patuxai monument for a spectacular city view. After breaking for lunch at a local restaurant (included), visit the famous Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), shop for traditional Lao handicrafts and watch the sunset over the Mekong River.

Spend a morning or afternoon riding through the streets of Laos' capital city on this epic bike tour of Vientiane. Roll along the Mekong River, visit historic temples, ancient landmarks and learn about the history and culture of this unique destination. It's the perfect way to explore the city.

Get the most of out of your visit to Vientiane, the laid-back capital of Laos, with this comprehensive sightseeing excursion. During the course of your day you'll explore Vat Sisaket, a monastery that dates to 1818, visit a Buddhist-themed museum of art and sculpture, see the city's famous 'Anousavali' (Victory Gate) and discover a Buddhist statue park. A traditional lunch is also included.

Take a tour of the capital city of Laos and see what makes this historical destination so unique. You'll experience the quiet beauty of this peaceful town and make stops at some of its top attractions like Wat Sisake, the Presidential Palace and more. This is the perfect way for first-time visitors to get a taste of the city and oriented to its streets, people and culture.Â

Uncover the secrets of Vientiane on this private full-day tour of the Laos capital. Make a beeline for the Buddha Park and learn all about the sacred site as you pose for photos amid a sea of Buddhas. After re-fueling with a delicious picnic lunch (included), return to the city to admire landmarks like That Luang, Wat Sisaket and Wat Phra Keo, and take in the views from the Patuxay monument.